STAFF REPORTER
PESHAWAR : A two-phase training programme was organized for Public Information Officers (PIOs) of over 40 government departments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to promote the effective implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) law and facilitate citizens’ access to information held by public bodies.
The programme aimed to familiarize participants with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act, its key legal provisions, implementation requirements and the practical responsibilities of Public Information Officers.
During the training, Deputy Director of Communications at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commission, Syed Saadat Jehan, delivered a comprehensive lecture on the key provisions of the RTI Act, the current state of its implementation in the province, and the responsibilities of PIOs in ensuring citizens’ access to information.
Deputy Registrar of the Commission, Nazim Shahab Qamar, briefed participants on information exempted from disclosure under the Act. He also provided guidance on the procedures for processing and disposing of information requests within the prescribed legal timeframe.
He emphasized the importance of proper maintenance of public records under Sections 4 and 5 of the Act, as well as the proactive disclosure of information through the relevant official websites.
Chief Information Commissioner Syed Nazar Hussain Shah and Information Commissioner Arshad Ahmed also attended the training programme.
Information Commissioner Arshad Ahmed responded to the queries raised by the participating officers and advised them to seek guidance from the Commission in cases involving difficulties, reluctance or non-cooperation by their respective departments in providing information. He assured the officers of the Commission’s continued support in resolving such issues.
In his concluding remarks, Chief Information Commissioner Syed Nazar Hussain Shah appreciated the participants’ interest and active engagement, stating that Public Information Officers have a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of the RTI Act in its true spirit.
He stressed that officers must discharge their responsibilities with commitment to promote transparency and accountability and ensure the timely provision of information to citizens.
He further emphasized that effective implementation of the law would not only strengthen transparency and accountability in government institutions but also help safeguard citizens’ right to information, making access to public information an effective instrument of public service.
